Patent Application
20060037985
The present invention pertains to a vehicle visor compact disc holder, and particularly to one that is incorporated into a warning label on the vehicle visor.
With increasing use of compact disc players in vehicles, there is a significant need for the convenient storage of compact discs. It is convenient for the occupant, and, in particular, a driver of a vehicle, to store compact discs in an easily accessible location. It is also important that the storage location be in a position that allows the driver to keep the driver's eyes substantially on the road while retrieving or returning a compact disc to the storage location. Additionally, with limited space in an automobile, it is desirable that the storage device be small enough to be non-obstructive.
Ideally, the storage device also holds a number of compact discs in a manner that will not scratch the surface of the compact disc. Since compact discs are ordinarily stored in plastic containers, which typically require two hands to open, it is desirable to provide the storage of compact discs in an accessible location in the vehicle without the plastic container. Thus, a driver will only need to use one hand to access the compact disc while keeping the other hand on the steering wheel.
There exists a need, therefore, for a compact disc storage device that easily accessible by an occupant of a vehicle and safely stores compact discs. There also exists a need for a storage device that allows one hand to access compact discs outside their plastic containers. Further, with increasing sensitivity to costs of vehicle components by manufacturers, it is desirable to have a compact disc storage device that is relatively inexpensive and requires less materials.
The compact disc storage device of the present invention solves the need for a relatively inexpensive compact disc storage device that is easily accessible by an occupant, and, in particular, a driver of a vehicle. It accomplishes this goal by providing a compact disc holder that is integrated into the warning label of a vehicle visor. Pockets are formed between the warning label and the vehicle visor.
Vehicle visors embodying the present invention include storage locations for compact discs such that a driver can access the compact disc by reaching up with one hand to the vehicle visor.
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
Referring initially to
In another embodiment (
The warning label 4 may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, polymeric materials, such as vinyl. Additionally, the warning label 4 is attached to the visor body 26 of the visor 2 by a suitable fastening means, such as stitching, adhesive, etc. The visor body 26 may have an outer covering of vinyl cloth, or other material. The label 4 may be secured to the visor body 26 by a known heat sealing process, wherein the edges 10 and 20 are pressed into contact with the visor body 26 utilizing a heated tool. The edges 10 and 20 of label 4 are thereby melted. If the visor body 26 is made of a fabric material, the edges 10 and 20 melt into the fabric, thereby securely connecting the label 4 to the visor body 26. If the outer layer of the visor body 26 is a vinyl or other polymeric material, the label 4 and visor body 26 melt together, to thereby secure the label 4 to the visor body 26. As noted above, conventional adhesives or the like may also be utilized to connect the edges 10 and 20 of label 4 to visor body 26. Also, in the embodiment of
The compact disc storage of the present invention provides a very simple and cost-effective, yet useful arrangement for storing CDs and the like on a visor. Because warning labels 4 relating to airbags or other items may be required, the compact disc storage arrangement of the present invention provides additional functionality without substantially adding to the cost of the visor.
The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiment only. Modification of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiment shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
